Bun steamers are fantastic kitchen tools, expertly crafted to keep your hot dog and hamburger buns fresh and warm all day. This nifty gadget isn’t just popular at home; it’s a staple in commercial kitchens and food businesses worldwide. Having the perfect bun steamer ensures your buns stay deliciously warm and moist. Without it, buns can get too dry or too soggy.
The best bun steamer should be easy to use, maintain an ideal humidity level that keeps the buns fresh without drying them out and reheat the buns quickly without affecting their taste or texture. Moreover, if the steamer is for commercial use, it should have a large enough capacity to contain a substantial number of buns. Using an inappropriate bun steamer could result in improperly heated and dry buns, which might lure your customers away.
When purchasing a bun steamer, it is vital to consider its capacity, size, power, and material. The steamer should be made from durable, easily cleanable materials and work efficiently with the necessary power to provide heat quickly and maintain consistent humidity levels. Moreover, if you are purchasing the bun steamer for a business, for instance, a food stall or a restaurant, it should be industrial-quality and able to withstand regular, repeated use.
In this article, we have drawn upon our experience, research, and tests to assist you in selecting the best bun steamer. There are numerous models and brands available in the market, making it challenging to decide which one to go for. However, by taking into account the factors we’ve detailed in this article as well as our top product recommendations, you’ll be better equipped to make a knowledgeable decision and select the perfect bun steamer to meet your needs.
Best Bun Steamer
Choosing the right bun steamer is crucial for maintaining the quality and taste of your buns. It should be efficient, easy to utilize, hold an optimal humidity level, and reheat buns quickly without over-drying them. Considering the myriad options available, picking the right one can seem like a daunting task. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best bun steamers based on our usage, analysis, and user feedback that’ll help you make an informed choice.
MANO Steamer Pot for Cooking 11 inch Steam Pots with Lid 2-tier Multipurpose Stainless Steel Steaming Pot Cookware with Handle for Vegetable, Dumpling, Stock, Sauce, Food
If you’re looking for a versatile steamer pot that can accommodate a variety of dishes, then the MANO Steamer Pot might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- The 2-tier design allows you to steam multiple dishes at the same time, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
- Made of high-quality stainless steel, this steamer pot is durable and easy to clean.
- The steamer pot comes with a removable divider, allowing you to customize the compartments according to your needs.
Cons
- The steamer pot might not be suitable for larger dishes or bulk cooking.
- Some users have reported that the lid can be difficult to remove, especially when the steamer pot is still hot.
- The steamer pot might not be as deep as some users would prefer.
We’ve used the MANO Steamer Pot to steam a variety of dishes, including dumplings, vegetables, and sauces. The 2-tier design is particularly useful when we want to steam multiple dishes at the same time, as it saves us time and effort in the kitchen. The steamer pot is also easy to clean, thanks to its high-quality stainless steel construction.
One thing to note is that the steamer pot might not be suitable for larger dishes or bulk cooking. However, if you’re looking for a steamer pot that can accommodate a variety of smaller dishes, then this might be a good option for you.
Overall, we would recommend the MANO Steamer Pot to anyone who is looking for a versatile and durable steamer pot that can accommodate a variety of dishes.
Nostalgia Extra Large Diner-Style Coca-Cola Hot Dog Steamer and Bun Warmer, 24 Hot Dog and 12 Bun Capacity, Steam Bratwursts, Sausages, Vegetables, Fish, Dumplings, Red
If you’re looking for a hot dog steamer that can accommodate a large number of hot dogs, the Nostalgia Extra Large Diner-Style Coca-Cola Hot Dog Steamer and Bun Warmer is a great option.
Pros
- The 24 hot dog capacity and 12 bun capacity make it perfect for large gatherings.
- The built-in thermostat ensures even heating, and the 660W power keeps it running smoothly.
- The removable steam tray makes it easy to clean, and the locking lid keeps it secure during transportation.
Cons
- The hot dogs may stick to the bottom of the steamer if not properly spaced.
- The unit is quite large, so it may not be suitable for smaller kitchens.
- The price point may be a bit high for some buyers.
This hot dog steamer is perfect for those who want to serve a large number of hot dogs at once. The Coca-Cola design adds a fun and nostalgic touch to any event. The built-in thermostat ensures that the hot dogs are cooked evenly, and the removable steam tray makes cleaning a breeze.
The only downside is that the hot dogs may stick to the bottom of the steamer if not properly spaced. However, this is a minor issue that can be easily avoided by properly spacing the hot dogs before steaming. Additionally, the unit is quite large, so it may not be suitable for smaller kitchens. Finally, the price point may be a bit high for some buyers, but the quality and functionality of the steamer make it worth the investment.
Overall, the Nostalgia Extra Large Diner-Style Coca-Cola Hot Dog Steamer and Bun Warmer is a great option for those who want to serve a large number of hot dogs at once. Its fun design and easy-to-clean features make it a great addition to any kitchen.
KITCHENCRUST Bamboo Steamer Basket for Chinese Asian Cuisine – 2 Tier 10-Inch Steaming Basket Bun Vegetable Steamer, Dumpling Steamer bamboo steam basket, Sauce Dish, Chopsticks, Reusable Liners, Ring
If you’re looking for a versatile and eco-friendly steamer, the KITCHENCRUST Bamboo Steamer Basket is a great option.
Pros
- The two-tier design allows for steaming multiple dishes at once, making it perfect for family-style meals or larger portions.
- The removable steamer insert makes it easy to switch between steaming and serving, and the foldable design allows for easy storage in your kitchen or cabinet.
- The included reusable liners and sauce dish make it easy to steam a variety of foods without worrying about cleaning up afterwards.
Cons
- The steamer may not be large enough to steam an entire chicken or large quantities of food at once.
- The bamboo material may require more frequent maintenance and care than other materials.
- The included chopsticks may not be as durable as other utensils and may need to be replaced over time.
Overall, we were impressed with the performance and functionality of the KITCHENCRUST Bamboo Steamer Basket. The two-tier design allowed us to steam multiple dishes at once, and the removable steamer insert made it easy to switch between steaming and serving. The included reusable liners and sauce dish were also a nice touch and made for easy cleanup.
One potential downside to keep in mind is that the steamer may not be large enough to steam an entire chicken or large quantities of food at once. Additionally, the bamboo material may require more frequent maintenance and care than other materials. Finally, the included chopsticks may not be as durable as other utensils and may need to be replaced over time.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and eco-friendly steamer that can handle a variety of dishes, the KITCHENCRUST Bamboo Steamer Basket is definitely worth considering.
Joyce Chen 2-Tier Bamboo Steamer Baskets, 10-Inch
If you’re looking for a steamer that can cook a variety of foods at the same time, the Joyce Chen 2-Tier Bamboo Steamer Baskets might be a good choice for you.
Pros
- The steamer is made of premium quality bamboo, which is durable and heat-resistant.
- The removable bamboo lid makes it easy to add water or adjust the heat.
- The steamer comes with a set of 6 adjustable height steamer basket inserts, allowing you to steam different foods at the same time.
Cons
- The steamer requires a large pot to fit, which might not be suitable for small kitchens.
- The steamer might not be suitable for cooking large quantities of food.
- The steamer might not be suitable for those who prefer non-stick surfaces.
We’ve used the Joyce Chen 2-Tier Bamboo Steamer Baskets to cook a variety of foods, including dumplings, buns, and vegetables. The steamer is easy to use and clean, and the removable lid makes it convenient to add water or adjust the heat.
One of the best features of this steamer is the set of 6 adjustable height steamer basket inserts. This allows you to steam different foods at the same time, which is especially useful if you’re cooking for a large group of people. The steamer is also made of premium quality bamboo, which is durable and heat-resistant, making it a great investment for anyone who loves to cook.
However, the steamer requires a large pot to fit, which might not be suitable for small kitchens. Additionally, the steamer might not be suitable for cooking large quantities of food. Finally, the steamer might not be suitable for those who prefer non-stick surfaces.
Overall, if you’re looking for a steamer that can cook a variety of foods at the same time, the Joyce Chen 2-Tier Bamboo Steamer Baskets might be a good choice for you. It’s easy to use, clean, and durable, making it a great investment for anyone who loves to cook.
Prime Home Direct Bamboo Steamer Basket 10-inch | 2-Tier Steamer for Cooking | 50 Liners, Chopsticks & Sauce Dish | Dumpling Steamer, Food Steamer Baskets for Cooking – Rice & Vegetable Steamer Pot
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use steamer basket, the Prime Home Direct Bamboo Steamer Basket is a great option.
Pros
- The double-layer steamer design allows for steaming both upper and lower tiers at the same time, making it perfect for cooking rice and vegetables.
- Made of 100% natural and durable bamboo, this steamer basket is not only eco-friendly but also built to last.
- Comes with 50 pieces of steamer liners, chopsticks, and a sauce dish, making it a great value for your money.
Cons
- The lid does not fit perfectly, which may cause some steam to escape.
- The basket may not be large enough to steam whole chickens or other large items.
- The bamboo material may not be as durable as stainless steel or other materials.
We’ve used this steamer basket to cook a variety of dishes, from dumplings and bao to vegetables and rice. The double-layer design is particularly useful for cooking rice and vegetables at the same time, without having to switch between pots. The natural bamboo material is also a plus, as it’s both eco-friendly and easy to clean.
One potential downside is that the lid does not fit perfectly, which may cause some steam to escape. However, this is a minor issue that does not detract from the overall quality of the steamer basket. Additionally, the basket may not be large enough to steam whole chickens or other large items, so keep that in mind if you plan to use it for larger dishes.
Overall, we would recommend the Prime Home Direct Bamboo Steamer Basket to anyone looking for a versatile and eco-friendly steamer basket. With its double-layer design, natural bamboo material, and included accessories, it’s a great value for your money.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best bun steamer, there are several factors to consider. As someone who has used and tested various models, I can attest to the importance of these features.
Size and Capacity
One of the first things to consider when purchasing a bun steamer is its size and capacity. If you plan on using the steamer for large gatherings or events, you’ll want to choose a model with a larger capacity. However, if you have limited counter space or only plan on using the steamer for small gatherings, a smaller model may be more suitable.
Material
Another important factor to consider is the material of the steamer. Steamer baskets made of stainless steel or bamboo are durable and easy to clean, while those made of plastic may not be as sturdy. Additionally, some steamers may have non-stick coatings, which can make it easier to remove the buns without damaging them.
Steaming Method
The method of steaming is also an important consideration. Some steamers use a removable basket that can be placed directly into the pot, while others have a built-in steamer basket. Additionally, some steamers may require a separate pot to be used, while others may have a built-in pot.
Additional Features
Finally, it’s important to consider any additional features that the steamer may have. For example, some steamers may have a locking lid to prevent steam from escaping, while others may have a removable handle for easy transport. Additionally, some steamers may have multiple steamers baskets, making it easier to steam multiple types of buns at once.
In summary, when choosing the best bun steamer, it’s important to consider the size and capacity, material, steaming method, and any additional features. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you choose a steamer that meets your needs and preferences.
